Everyone has the right to feel safe within their home and relationships

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Ebensberger
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Who do you turn to if you're affected by domestic abuse? Well here at Dyess you can turn to Neasie Boggess, a domestic abuse victim advocate.

Domestic abuse is any verbal, psychological, physical or sexual behavior that is controlling, threatening or violent, against a spouse, partner or family member.

As part of the Family Advocacy Program, domestic abuse victim advocates provide 24-hour non-clinical emergent and urgent service to Air Force personnel, their intimate partners or their family members over the age of 18, who are victims of domestic violence. With the exception of mandatory state, federal, and military reporting requirements, the advocates provide a private and confidential service to encourage victims in seeking assistance.

"My services are available 24 hours a day," Boggess said. "Airmen and their intimate partners can call or come by and see me if they're experiencing any type of domestic violence or if they have any questions."

The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate program also provides comprehensive services that center on awareness and prevention.

"The main focus of the DAVA program is to prevent and eventually eliminate domestic violence within the Air Force." Boggess said. "My goal is to educate everyone about the various types of domestic violence. If people are aware of the traits of emotional and physical abuse, then maybe we can intervene before the situation escalates."

The victim's safety is also the DAVA's top responsibility; advocates can accompany victims to medical visits, court proceedings and other appointments if requested. Victims have the option to make a restricted or unrestricted report. An unrestricted reporting of domestic abuse is a process that allows adult victims to receive the full range of advocacy services. A victim who desires an official investigation into an incident of domestic abuse can make an unrestricted report using the appropriate reporting channels, including the chain of command, Family Advocacy Program or law enforcement. Upon notification of a reported domestic abuse incident, victim advocate services and Family Advocacy Program maltreatment intervention services will be offered to the victim. In addition, with an unrestricted report, a victim can request a forensic medical examination with a health-care provider in coordination with criminal investigators.

The restricted reporting process allows victims of domestic abuse, who are eligible to receive medical treatment at a military treatment facility, the option to report an incident to specified individuals without initiating the investigative process or notifying the offender's chain of command.

"I love being able to be an extra person of assistance when people feel like they have no help or options out of their current situation," Boggess said.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, you're not alone, Boggess said. Help and support is available by calling the Family Advocacy Program at (325) 696-5380 or the DAVA crisis line at (325)-267-9200.